The Greenville Symphony’s 79th Season comes to a spectacular close with a finale designed especially for our community by Music Director Lee Mills—a vivid, atmospheric, and joy‑filled musical journey featuring one of Greenville’s most beloved soloists: pianist Maxim Lando.
Maxim’s return marks his third appearance with the Greenville Symphony, and audiences have embraced him from the moment he first stepped onto our stage. His career continues to soar—earning international acclaim for his expressive power, fearless virtuosity, and electrifying presence. Maxim’s performances have been praised for their emotional depth and technical brilliance, making him one of the most exciting young pianists performing today. Hearing him live is always a highlight; welcoming him back feels like celebrating one of our own.
The evening begins with the bold colors and rhythmic vitality of Heitor Villa‑Lobos’ Choros No. 6—a work bursting with Brazilian spirit and orchestral imagination. Immediately immersive, it sets the tone for a program rooted in energy, atmosphere, and sheer sonic delight.
Maxim then takes center stage for De Falla’s Nights in the Gardens of Spain, a shimmering, evocative work that blends piano and orchestra into a dreamlike tapestry. Exotic, mysterious, and lushly orchestrated, it feels like wandering through moonlit gardens filled with fragrance, movement, and distant song. Maxim’s interpretive brilliance makes this a centerpiece moment of the season.
The orchestra then unleashes the sweeping grandeur of Ravel’s Daphnis et Chloé—one of the great symphonic showpieces. Cinematic, lush, and breathtaking, it is a work that musicians adore performing and audiences love discovering. Its sound world is radiant and immersive, offering a full-sensory orchestral experience.
Finally, the season concludes with a true icon: Ravel’s Bolero. Recognizable from its hypnotic rhythm, unforgettable melody, and dramatic crescendo, Bolero is one of the most beloved works in the orchestral repertoire. It’s impossible not to be swept up in the inexorable build—layer by layer, color by color—until the entire orchestra erupts in a finale that feels both exhilarating and inevitable. Ending the season with Bolero is nothing short of triumphant.
A Finale Made for Greenville
This season‑ending celebration blends audience favorites, orchestral showpieces, and a standout soloist who has become a cherished part of our musical family. It’s a night crafted with intention, heart, and artistry—a perfect culmination of the 79th Season.
